Taxi in Greece: A Guide to the World of Taxi in the Land of Sun and Olives
- Damian Brzeski
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
A taxi in Greece is more than just a means of transport – it is part of the local culture and… sometimes quite an adventure.
Did you know that there are only 25 taxis on the entire island of Santorini?
Or that in Athens the driver can "select" a second passenger for your ride?
If you are planning a trip to the land of sun and olives, learn all the rules, tricks and prices that will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and catch a taxi without stress - even to Mykonos.
How does a taxi work in Greece?
Planning a vacation to Greece and wondering how to best get between the beach and the taverna? Taxis in Greece can be the perfect solution – fast, convenient and often cheaper than you might expect.
While at first glance it all looks familiar, the Greek taxi world has its own rules. In this section we’ll show you how it all works in practice: from the rules of use, to local customs, to talking to a driver who may only know a few words of English.
Rules for using taxis in Greece
Traveling by taxi in Greece is a convenient option both in the metropolises and on the sunny islands. In larger cities like Athens or Thessaloniki , you can easily hail a taxi on the street or use one of the mobile apps.
On Greek islands, such as Santorini or Mykonos , the situation is a bit different – there are few taxis there, so it is worth booking your rides in advance.
Every legal taxi should have an illuminated "TAXI" sign, license plates starting with the letters "TA" and a working taximeter .
Inside you will also find a driver ID and a card payment terminal - this will be mandatory from 2024. In most cases, payment is made in cash, but you can also easily pay cashless.
In Greece, there are two tariffs: day (from 5:00 to 24:00) and night (from 00:00 to 05:00). The taximeter should always be on - if the driver offers a "price in advance" without the meter on, it is better to find another taxi.
Taxi culture and customs
Greek drivers are known for their cheerfulness and openness, but also... sometimes for their excess initiative. In Athens, you can experience the local custom of picking up a passenger during a ride - if you are going in the same direction, the driver may offer to share the ride. However, you have every right to refuse.
There is an unwritten rule at the taxi rank: we get into the first taxi in the queue.
"as in many other places in the world." Jumping the queue, even if someone invites you, is frowned upon and can cause an unpleasant situation.
Small tips (e.g. rounding up the amount) are appreciated, but not required. Drivers usually don't expect big extras, but for courtesy and help (e.g. with luggage) it's worth leaving 1-2 euros.
Communication with the driver and knowledge of English
Although Greek taxi drivers are often talkative and friendly, their knowledge of English varies.
In large cities, you can easily get by in English, but in the provinces or on smaller islands it can be more difficult. It's a good idea to have your destination address written down (e.g. in your phone or on a piece of paper) and - if you can - show it on a map.
A few Greek phrases will also help: "Yassas" (hello), "Efcharistó" (thank you), "Pósso kostízi?" (how much does it cost?). Even if you don't know Greek, a smile and politeness are a universal language that will make any trip easier.
Taxi Prices and Tariffs in Greece
Wondering how much a taxi ride in Greece will cost? Don't worry - while the country can be surprising when it comes to the number of taxis on its islands, prices are generally clear and predictable.
Day and night fares for Greek taxis
There are two main tariffs in Greece: day (from 5:00 to midnight) and night (from 00:00 to 5:00). The differences are mainly in the rate per kilometer. During the day, you will pay €0.90 per km within the city limits, at night — €1.25. Importantly, outside the urban area, a higher rate always applies, regardless of the time.
There is a so-called "door slam fee" at the start - €1.80, and the minimum fare for the ride is €4. So even if you only travel a few blocks, you will pay at least this amount.
Additional charges for luggage and stops
There may be additional fees added to the course price that are worth knowing about:
Airport : +4 €
Port, train station : +1.07 €
Luggage over 10 kg : approx. +€0.40 per item
Holidays : flat surcharge of +€2 on Christmas, New Year and Easter
All charges should be visible on the receipt, which the driver is required to issue at the end of the trip.
Example fares in popular locations
In Athens, the fare from the airport to the city centre is a flat rate: €40 during the day and €55 at night – all fees included.
Shorter journeys within the city usually cost €5–8.
In Thessaloniki from the airport to the city centre you will pay around 18 €.
In Santorini and Mykonos , the situation is different – there is often no taximeter there, and the price is set in advance. For example,a ride from Santorini airport to Oia costs around €35–40, and from the airport to the city in Mykonos – around €15.
On the islands, it is worth negotiating and setting a price before departure, especially during the season when demand exceeds supply.
Is using a taxi in Greece safe and comfortable?
Taxi in Greece is not only a way to get to your destination, but also a part of local everyday life. For a tourist, the key question is: is it safe and will I pay too much?
How to avoid scams and overcharges
Greek taxi drivers are mostly honest and experienced, but — like everywhere — there are exceptions.
Here are some simple rules to help you avoid problems:
Always check that the taximeter is on at the beginning of the journey.
Ask about the tariff – during the day the tariff 1 should be set.
Ask for a receipt – it is not only your proof of purchase, but also a way to make a complaint.
Avoid drivers who offer a “price in advance” without a taximeter – the exception are islands, where fixed rates are the norm.
Don't be fooled by the "broken terminal" - from 2024, all taxis must have a working payment terminal.
If you are suspicious, calmly say, “Please give me your receipt,” or threaten to call the tourist police. The mere mention of it is often enough to clear things up.
The role of mobile applications in ensuring security
The safest way to order a taxi in larger cities is through an app — like Free Now , Uber (Taxi version) or Bolt . They provide you with a route log, driver details and the option of cashless payment.
In case of problems, you can report the ride directly in the app. What's more, most drivers prefer rides from the app because they are more transparent and provide certainty that the customer will not disappear without paying.
On the islands, it is worth asking about local apps, such as iMove - they often save the day when it is impossible to find a regular taxi.
Ordering a taxi via the app
Don’t want to wave your hand in the street or explain to the driver where you’re going? Taxi apps in Greece can be your best friend – especially in larger cities and when traveling from the airport.
Uber Taxi: How it works in Greece
Uber in Greece works differently than in many other countries. You can't order a private car like UberX - the service operates solely as an Uber Taxi . This means that the ride is performed by a licensed taxi driver, not a private driver.
The app is available in Athens , Thessaloniki , Corfu , and Santorini , among other places. Prices are in line with local taxi rates, but a small Uber service fee is added.
The advantage is convenience - you order a ride, pay cashlessly, have contact with the driver and the possibility of evaluation.
In popular resorts like Mykonos or Rhodes , Uber doesn't really work. Only additional services like Uber Boat are tested during the season.
FreeNow: Availability and Features
The former Beat app, now known as Free Now , is the most widely used taxi app in Greece, with rides in cities including Athens , Thessaloniki and Heraklion in Crete.
Free Now allows you to choose the type of ride: standard Taxi, Comfort (better cars) or Eco (electric vehicles). It works intuitively, and drivers are checked and licensed.
You can pay by card or cash, but many people choose the cashless option for convenience and security.
It is worth adding that many drivers prefer app customers because the system works transparently and protects both parties. During rush hour, app rides can be faster than traditional taxi rides.
Taxi from airports in Greece
Have you landed in Greece and need to get to your hotel quickly? An airport taxi is the easiest and most convenient way to start your vacation – as long as you know what to expect.
Transfers from airports to hotels and resorts
At most major airports, such as Athens , Thessaloniki , Heraklion , and Rhodes , you’ll find official taxi ranks outside the terminal. Just walk up to the first car in line and give your hotel address—in big cities, drivers usually know the main hotels and neighborhoods.
In Athens, there is a fixed price for the journey from the airport to the city centre: €40 during the day, €55 at night. The price includes all surcharges, including luggage and motorway.
On the islands , the situation can be more chaotic – there are fewer taxis and prices are often set in advance and “on word”. It is worth checking with your hotel in advance how much a ride from the airport should cost.
Online booking and fixed prices
In many cases, you can book a taxi in advance, either through an app (e.g. Free Now , iMove ) or through your hotel reception. This is especially useful if you’re arriving at night or on a smaller island where the taxi rank may be empty.
Reservation gives you a guarantee of availability and often allows you to choose the type of car, such as a van for a larger group. Fixed prices help avoid misunderstandings - especially important where taxi meters are not used.
Additional services: child seats, choice of vehicle class
If you are traveling with children or have special needs, it is worth booking a taxi in advance and specifying that you need, for example, a child seat . Not all cars have them in stock, but if you call ahead, there is a good chance that the driver will arrive prepared.
You can also choose the type of vehicle – sedan, estate,van or a higher-end car (e.g. Mercedes E-Class). Sometimes this is an additional service, sometimes simply a matter of availability – but when booking through the app, it’s easier to find what suits you.
Taxi in major cities and on Greek islands
Greek taxis can vary greatly depending on the region. A ride in crowded Athens is different than on a quiet island. It's worth knowing the local realities to avoid surprises.
Taxi in Athens: Colors, Availability and Apps
In Athens , taxis are yellow, easy to recognize and exceptionally numerous – it is one of the best-served cities in Europe in this respect. There are over 13,000 of them, so catching a car is a matter of minutes, even late at night.
Taxis can be hailed from the street, from a taxi rank, by phone, or through apps (Free Now, Uber, Bolt). Many rides can be shared – the driver can pick up a second passenger going in the same direction.
Although it’s an informal practice, it’s common. Rides are cheap and drivers are used to tourists.
Taxi in Thessaloniki: Regional Differences and Airport Transfers
In Thessaloniki, taxis are navy blue with a white roof. There are fewer of them than in Athens, but still a lot – about 2,000. They operate 24 hours a day, and you can get from the airport to the city centre for about €18.
Free Now and Uber also work here. The system is efficient and the rides are fast – smaller traffic jams than in the capital are a big plus. Prices are similar to those in Athens.
Taxi in Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu
Local rules apply on the islands.
Rhodes – navy blue taxis with white roofs, widely available in Rhodes city. Moderate prices, taxi meters in use.
Crete – in Heraklion and Chania you will find a lot of taxis (beige or white), with a meter and a terminal. In smaller towns there are fewer of them, but they are easily available at the ranks.
Santorini – only about 25 taxis for the whole island. Prices set in advance, from the airport to Fira about €20-25, to Oia even €40. It is difficult to find a free car in high season.
Mykonos – Like Santorini, taxis are limited (30-35 in high season). Fixed rates and high demand mean booking in advance.
Corfu – Blue taxi, mainly available in Corfu Town and at the airport. Uber Taxi operates, making it easy to order.
On islands, it’s often better to book a taxi through your hotel or use local apps (such as iMove), because available vehicles can be rare. In high season, you’ll need to be patient — or choose an alternative, such as renting a car.
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